News Summary
The New Orleans Saints have chosen Tyler Shough as the No. 40 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, following the retirement of Derek Carr. Shough, who has played seven years across three colleges, is now in a competitive race for the starting quarterback position against Spencer Rattler and Jake Haener. Despite Shough being the oldest draftee at 25, his impressive collegiate stats have drawn comparisons to Drew Brees. With training camp approaching, Shough’s performance will be closely monitored as he aims to be the first rookie quarterback since Archie Manning to start a Week 1 game.
New Orleans
The New Orleans Saints made a significant move in the 2025 NFL Draft by selecting quarterback Tyler Shough with the No. 40 overall pick in the second round. This decision comes on the heels of Derek Carr’s retirement, leaving a vacancy for a new starting quarterback. Shough finds himself in a competitive race for the starting position, going up against fellow quarterbacks Spencer Rattler and Jake Haener.
The selection of Shough raised some eyebrows among analysts and fans alike, who had anticipated other quarterbacks would be prioritized, such as Shedeur Sanders and Jaxson Dart. Notably, both Dart and Cam Ward were chosen before Shough in the draft, adding to the intrigue surrounding the Saints’ choice. As one of the oldest prospects in the draft at 25 years old—turning 26 in September 2025—Shough brings a wealth of experience to the team, having played seven years in college football across three universities: Oregon, Texas Tech, and Louisville.
In his final collegiate season, Shough’s performance was impressive, accumulating 3,195 passing yards, 23 touchdowns, and only six interceptions. His capabilities have drawn comparisons to legendary quarterback Drew Brees, suggesting that he may be ready for the professional stage. Reports from Saints camp indicate that Shough has received positive feedback regarding his performance and readiness to lead the team.
Current Competition
As Shough prepares for his role, he faces stiff competition from Rattler and Haener. While Rattler has experience starting six games, he did not secure a win in that time. Haener, on the other hand, made only one start last season and has been dealing with an injury that has impacted his availability during organized team activities (OTAs) and mandatory minicamp.
Despite these challenges, Shough aims to achieve a remarkable milestone: becoming the first rookie quarterback for the Saints to start a Week 1 game since Archie Manning in 1971. The Saints have struggled historically with rookie quarterbacks, securing only five wins with such players at the helm throughout their history. These statistics underscore the pressure on Shough as he attempts to carve out a successful career in New Orleans.
Contract Negotiations and Future Prospects
Concerns have arisen among fans regarding contract negotiations for Shough, as the Saints have not yet entered discussions regarding his contract. However, insiders have indicated that such delays are not uncommon following the draft and that the situation is likely to resolve in a timely manner.
Moreover, given the uncertainties surrounding the contract situations of second-round picks across the NFL, Shough’s case is not isolated. Many draftees have yet to finalize agreements, and analysts suggest that the Saints may still consider acquiring a veteran quarterback to enhance competitiveness in the position.
Shough’s selection marks a notable moment for the franchise, as he is the highest-drafted quarterback since Manning. As training camp approaches, all eyes will be on Shough’s progress and how the competition for the starting role unfolds. With a blend of experience, potential, and the right support, Tyler Shough might just hold the key to a new chapter in the New Orleans Saints’ storied history.
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Additional Resources
- Sports Illustrated: Tyler Shough Named Tier 6 Quarterback
- Big Red Louie: Tyler Shough Presses Saints with Bold Contract Demand
- NFL.com: Rookie Tyler Shough Aiming for History by Winning Saints QB Competition
- Google Search: Tyler Shough
- Encyclopedia Britannica: New Orleans Saints
